Michael Eugene Napier

He was born to John Earl and Lula Mae (Harmon) Napier on August 28, 1960 in Hazlehurst, MS, though they did not stay there long. Following many moves, he spent the majority of his youth in Knoxville, TN. He went on to graduate from West High School and began his first career path, restaurants.

While working for Grady’s Bar & Grill Knoxville in 1982, Michael saw a beautiful bar manager and was instantly smitten. After several attempts, he finally convinced Debi Britton to accompany him on a date in 1983 and the rest was history. They welcomed their first daughter, Amy, in 1986 and then married on April 16, 1988; they would go on to enjoy 35 years of marriage.

Shortly after their wedding, Debi’s job relocated the small family to North Texas. Once in Texas, Michael and Debi welcomed a second daughter, Kathryn (Curly). Though Michael loved the restaurant life, he longed to fulfill his lifelong dream of educating young minds. While working, and being a busy husband and father, Michael pursued a degree in education, graduating Magna Cum Laude from University of Texas at Arlington.

Michael’s first position was teaching 6th grade Social Studies at Webb Middle School in Garland. After eleven years, he then took a position teaching at Rockwall Heath High School. During his tenure there, he taught AP World History, IB World History, and IB Theory of Knowledge among other courses. His greatest joy in teaching was all of clubs and organizations he help to lead. Michael inspired generations of young learners, and coached many teams of Youth & Government, Mock Legislature, and UIL. He was passionate, enthusiastic, and had high expectations for all of his students. Mr. Napier’s more than 20 year long career in education was a testament to his devotion to teaching.

Education was an important part of his life, but he was first and foremost a family man. Michael loved his wife and daughters fiercely, and was always their biggest champion of support - whether it was art shows, plays, or traveling for soccer tournaments. He loved art, books, holidays, movies, music, food, and friends. If a word reminded him, he would break into song, using his cane as a guitar. He had no shame or fear, and would sing and dance regardless of his surroundings. Through it all, Michael would want you to know that, “in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

Michael is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, as well as his two sisters, Celia Jane Bull and Molly Wardley, sister in law Joy Napier, and his nephew Jody Napier. He is survived by his wife Debi; daughters, Amy Sigler and husband Chris, and Kathryn Napier; his grandchildren Sally and Jack; his brothers James “Super” Napier and wife Barbara “Babby”, Steve Napier and wife Karen, and John Napier; numerous nieces and nephews; honorary daughter Brandi Kirklin, with husband David and daughter Kadentz; and a multitude of students that will continue to carry on his passion for learning and life.

The family will receive friends for a gathering on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 1 PM - 2 PM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush Tpke, Dallas, Texas 75252. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2 PM.

For those that cannot attend the services in person. The Celebration of Life Service will be Live Broadcasted and can be accessed by clicking the "Join the Livestream" link near the scheduled service information below.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TedDickeyFuneral.com for the family.